Let’s get straight to it: ergonomic accidents aren’t only a “security” downside. They’re a enterprise downside—one which quietly chips away at your productiveness, workforce, and backside line.
And when you assume you’ll be able to’t afford to put money into automation proper now, right here’s the true query: Are you able to afford to not?
The true price of ignoring ergonomics
Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) attributable to repetitive duties like handbook palletizing don’t simply affect staff—they drain total operations. We’re speaking about:
- $167 billion in whole office damage prices within the U.S. alone
- Over $2 billion in MSD-related claims in British Columbia from 2019–2023
- An estimated €17.2 billion in manufacturing losses from MSDs in Germany
These numbers are crimson flags.
Behind each stat is a crew slowed down, a line paused, a job left unfilled. Power again ache doesn’t simply ship staff dwelling—it sends prices skyrocketing and schedules into chaos.
The danger is not simply bodily. It is monetary.
Each pressure, sprain, or tweak carries a price ticket:
🩹 Direct prices
Medical payments, compensation, rehab, insurance coverage premiums
📉 Oblique prices
Misplaced productiveness, missed shipments, momentary labor, morale injury
📈 Repute threat
Poor security data harm your capacity to draw and retain expertise
Add within the rising international stress for compliance—from OSHA within the U.S. to EU directives—and ignoring ergonomics rapidly turns into a raffle no sensible enterprise ought to take.
“Musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) accidents would not have solely direct medical prices but additionally hidden oblique prices which might be 1 to five instances larger than the direct prices. These prices can affect an organization’s profitability and should require elevated gross sales to offset the extra prices.” — Carla Silver, Licensed Security Skilled and Security Innovator
Why handbook palletizing is the flashing warning mild
Guide palletizing sits on the intersection of repetitive movement, awkward posture, heavy lifting, and excessive frequency. It’s the textbook case of ergonomic threat.
And but—it’s additionally the best process to automate.
Automation doesn’t simply decrease your damage charge. It:
- Eliminates the bodily hazard totally
- Reduces claims and insurance coverage prices
- Frees up staff for safer, higher-value roles
- Boosts consistency and throughput
In different phrases, automation turns a value heart right into a efficiency benefit.
Safer does not imply slower
Some nonetheless assume ergonomic enhancements gradual issues down. Not with cobot palletizers. Robotiq’s options are designed for:
- Fast deployment (put in in beneath 3 days)
- Minimal flooring house
- Quick, repeatable ROI
Which means you’ll be able to cut back threat and ramp up manufacturing—with out the trade-offs.
So, are you able to afford to disregard ergonomics?
While you think about damage prices, insurance coverage hikes, and labor turnover, doing nothing could also be your most costly choice.
Begin with one palletizer. See the outcomes. Scale sensible.
Your crew stays protected. Your small business stays robust.
Simply how a lot is handbook palletizing costing your enterprise? We may also help you discover out!
💻 Do not miss our Ergonomics webinar with Carla Silver – register at the moment!
📘 Obtain our Ergonomics e book, additionally by Carla Silver.
